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The Solar Minimum. Earth is about to enter a mini ice age.

The Solar cycle is a regular change in the activity of the sun after every 11 years. It is marked by the changes in solar radiation intensity, changes in the solar spots, changes in auroras etc.. It is a phenomenon happening since the beginning of solar system and it has been recorded regularly by humans. 

There comes a phase in solar cycle when the activity of the sun in minimum and this is termed as solar minimum. To mark this phase there is a decrease in the solar spots and solar intensity. Solar minimums have an effect on the climate of the earth. It reduces the overall temperature of the earth for a short period of time. 

This solar cycle has the lowest sunspots since 1900. Image courtesy NASA/ARC


Predicting changes in solar activity is difficult due to the non-linear nature of the solar cycle. It can be predicted by observing the changes in the number of solar spots. Period of the minimum solar activity is the best to carry out space-related studies as there is minimum damage due to radiation. 

THE SUN GOES SPOTLESS

Our star, the sun, has just gone spotless which supposedly mark the beginning of solar minimum.

Sun going spotless. Image courtesy: NASA


Recent studies have revealed that solar activity is going to slow down in next 20-30 years (the Grand Minimum) which will create a mini ice age probably till 2070 after which the temperature will increase back to normal. It has been calculated that the there will a reduction in the ultraviolet rays by as much as 7 percent. With the decrease in the global temperatures, it is expected to reduce the burden of global warming at least for next 50 years. Global warming is one of the most dangerous threats, humanity is facing. 

But, the effects of the grand minimum will be negligible if the current rate emission of greenhouse gases continues. It will not be able to match up with the increase in global temperature. Recent studies have found that that global average temperature will increase by 4-5 degrees Celcius by the end of the century. In the worst case scenario, it may also leade to a massive 6 degree Celcius increase. 


#sunspot #solarminimum #miniiceage #thegrandminimum

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